Migraine Vs Tension Headache:
Cluster headaches are excruciating, even more so than a migraine. The pain has been compared to or reported as feeling worse than a broken bone, kidney stone, or childbirth. An aura, a reversible phenomenon of visual or sensory disturbances, may also precede a migraine headache. Tension-type headaches are divided into two main categories ‘ episodic and chronic.
In contrast, chronic tension-type headaches can last for extended periods of time and may occur on a daily or near-daily basis. These headaches can persist for hours or even days on end, causing significant discomfort and impacting daily functioning. In addition to the headache itself, individuals with tension-type headaches may experience muscle tenderness in the scalp, neck, or shoulders. This muscle tenderness can contribute to the overall discomfort and may be triggered or worsened by activities such as computer work or physical stress.
They thought the muscle contractions were a result of emotions, tension or stress. Tension-type headaches can be hard source to tell apart from migraines. And if you have frequent episodic tension-type headaches, you also can have migraines.
There are different types and causes of headaches, which can cause pain or pressure around the head. A migraine can also cause a headache, with symptoms such as severe pain that can last hours or days. Below are some frequently asked questions about migraine attacks and headaches.
Both lower and higher baseline sympathetic tone have been demonstrated in migraine patients [65,66,67]. Migraine patients also display significantly higher pain responses and sympathetic activation to stress than controls [68, 69]. In total, there seems to be a sympathetic impairment interictally with increased sympathetic responsiveness during the migraine attack [70]. One possible explanation of this phenomenon might be that the constant stress by repeated headaches results in a sympathetic downregulation with a paradoxical hyperactivation during subsequent headaches. Studies of HPA activation have also produced conflicting findings.
Overuse of medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, can paradoxically lead to medication overuse headaches, which are a specific type of migraine. Regular and excessive use of pain medications can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and trigger migraines. Migraines see post can be triggered by a variety of factors, each unique to the individual experiencing them. Bright lights, such as sunlight or fluorescent lighting, can be a common trigger for migraines. The intense light can overstimulate the brain and lead to the onset of a migraine episode.
You can make sure you have the medication you need on hand, and begin treatment when symptoms start. The studies involving humans were approved by Ethical Committee of the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid (Spain). The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements.
Episodic tension-type headaches typically last from 30 minutes to a few hours, although they can sometimes persist for a couple of days. The severity of the headache may also vary throughout the day, with some individuals experiencing more intense pain in the morning or evening. The duration of a tension-type headache can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of headache. Tension-type headaches can be categorized into episodic headaches, which occur on a less frequent basis, and chronic headaches, which are experienced more frequently.
Dr. Mark Youssef is an expert in migraine and other headache disorders. He has been personally battling chronic migraine since his teenage years. The technical name for ice pick headache is primary stabbing headache, and it’s a common headache disorder. Up to 40 percent of people with migraine also experience ice pick headache. Hypnic headache is an uncommon headache and a diagnosis that is often made after very careful consideration of other primary headache disorders. There are plenty of other common migraine symptoms apart from headache, such as smell sensitivity, motion sickness, sinus symptoms, neck and shoulder pain, GI symptoms, vertigo, brain fog, mood changes, and more.
These meds include seizure medicines, blood pressure medicines (like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. Migraine is a complex, neurological disorder with more than 40 different symptoms. Head pain is just one potential symptom, along with nausea, visual disturbances, sensitivity to stimuli, vertigo, and mood changes. Monitoring the duration of your headache can provide important information that can help diagnosis the type of headache you are experiencing. Migraine headaches may last a few hours to three days, while tension headaches may last only 30 minutes or linger for up to a week. Prevention of migraines and tension headaches involves avoiding triggers.
By understanding the distinct causes of migraines and the development of chronic tension-type headaches, individuals can better manage and prevent these debilitating conditions. Tension-type headaches are the most common type, affecting a large portion of Americans during their lifetime. They are characterized by a dull, aching pain that is usually felt on both sides of the head. These headaches typically do not involve visual disturbances, nausea, or vomiting.
Mild to moderate migraines can usually be eased with an over-the-counter painkiller like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium). People may feel exhausted, confused, or generally unwell during the postdrome phase. Migraine episodes aren’t always severe and could start off mild. Call 911 or local emergency services immediately if you experience a headache of this kind. This headband-like device stimulates a nerve on the forehead that’s linked to migraines.
Sollmann’s research isn’t the first to link neck pain and headache. Another study in Neurology found that neck pain is highly prevalent before, during, and after the onset of migraine pain. In addition to the physiological stress response, stress perception has a subjective side, i.e., how an individual perceives, reacts to, and copes with stress. Perceived stress may be quantified using various patient reported outcome measures.
Keep in mind everyone is different and every brain is different. These are typical symptoms, and they may not apply to every person with TTH or migraine. According to the World Health Organization, anywhere from 30 percent to 78 percent of the global population lives with TTH. It’s also helpful advice to know that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. The only similarity between a migraine and a headache are that both cause pain. Some things such as weather changes or hormonal fluctuations are unavoidable, but you can pay attention to when those changes are going to occur and plan accordingly.